Session Summary:
Social media is a hot topic in recent days. In many cases, it is used as a tool for socializing, not surprisingly. However, international development consultants can use social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others as tools to promote their work, develop networks and contacts and be better connected while traveling.
The rise of social media is clearly evident in the world today, recent uprisings in Africa and the Middle East have been organized by Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools and illustrate the utility of these tools. It seems to be the simplest way of reaching this generations youth; as of January 2011, there were over 600 million active users of Facebook alone. Utilizing these social media tools can be a great asset to international development consultants in the near future.
As such, CAIDC is happy to present this session on social media and its uses. Speakers will demonstrate their nature, their use, how they are relevant to Canadians and international development. Even if you aren't likely to subscribe to any of these social media tools, knowing how they work or even their names can be of use!
Don't miss your opportunity to be on the forefront of the social media revolution!
Speakers:
Richard Labelle - President of The Aylmer Group, and ICT4D Consultant
Richard Labelle is an independent consultant based in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Mr. Labelle has over 29 years experience on issues related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in support of human, economic, social and sustainable development in developing countries. Since 1992, he has undertaken missions to over 57 developing countries to consult with development actors for this purpose and has undertaken evaluations of Internet connectivity and ICT capacity. He has participated in the development of national as well as sectoral and organizational ICT strategies and action plans in several countries. He provides advice on the use of ICTs for development to a variety of development partners. Recently his work has also focused on using ICTs to abate climate change with a focus on the developing world.
He has completed a scoping study on ICTs and climate change entitled “ICTs for e-Environment” for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is engaged with several other development partners in broadening our understanding of the potential and opportunities of smart technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation at the global, regional and national levels including at the local and community level.
Gerard Van Der Burg - Director Technology and Social Media at Digital Opportunity Trust
Gerard has worked in the International Development Sector for the past 25 years. His work has taken him to live and work in many countries in The Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Gerard provides guidance and leadership to organizations in the design and implementation of collaboration, Information Communications Technology (ICT), and Knowledge Management (KM) systems, using Social Media tools and methodologies. Gerard serves as the Director of Technology and Social Media at Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT).
Gerard's blog and more information can be found here for those interested!